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Syria: the Georgia effect

Assad was quick to take Russia’s part in its war with Georgia, lent it public support, and agreed to heighten Russia’s naval presence at its port in the city of Tartus. In return, he asked the Russians for advanced weapons systems, which even if they are not supplied soon, raise the level of concern in Israel and improve Syrian deterrence. Putin, who wants to revive Russia’s influence in the region, has an excellent grasp of this game.